Wednesday Hodgepodge (Hodge Podge? HodgePodge?)

No matter how you're supposed to spell it, I've decided to link up with Joyce's Wednesday game because Taylor did.  And today, I'm feeling like a follower....

1. What is the most interesting thing you've done in the last year?

     I think the most interesting thing that I've done in the last year has been the work that I have been doing as an interventionalist in the school.  I still have a lot to learn and it remains one of the more frustrating tasks that I've ever agreed to take on, but I am finding that I am learning a lot about the hows and whys of students' learning.  I am also seeing a great many gaps in our education process, not even necessarily at my school, but on the whole.  We need bright, driven educators to get out there and lead (and the politicians to stop governing what they think we need to do) or we are going to be in a heap of trouble! 

***Excuse me while I step down off my soapbox.***

2. What is your most meaningful family heirloom?
     I would say it's the pearl ring that I was given on my 16th birthday.  My dad's dad was drafted and worked as a mechanic with the Army Air Corps during WWII.  He and my grandma were married just two weeks before he left for two years.  He thought he was going to be sent to the Pacific, but instead his crew was stationed in Panama.  He gave her that ring when he came back, and they were together until his death in 1997.

3. What food festival would you most like to attend? If you're not sure click here to see a list of possibilities.

     I've always wanted to go to any of those big city showcases, like Taste of Chicago.  Those look like a lot of fun, but I'm really perfectly happy eating curly fries and taffy at the fair.

4. Snow...do you love it or is it considered a four letter word where you live?

     I love snow, as long as I am at home and don't have anywhere to go.  Last winter, it seemed like it only snowed on Fridays or when I had plans.  So, if we could avoid that, I'd  be grateful.  And of course, teachers know we love snow days as much or more than the kids do!

5. Can you ski? Do you ski? Are you any good?

     I have never gone.  But if my history with sports and coordination tells us anything, it would be that I don't have any business on skis.  Ever.

6. What quality in your spouse or best friend are you most thankful for?

     I have things that I love about each of my friends.  Sheena is wonderfully organized and a do-er.  Crystal makes me want to be a better teacher.  Amber is the perfect buddy for all the crazy adventures.  I could go on and on...

7. Describe the coziest spot in your home.

    That has to be my bedroom.  My bed is inset between my two closets and it makes the perfect place to cuddle up and watch a movie. Plus it's dark and cool so you can sleep forever (not that I usually get to)!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

    There's actually a post coming on this topic, but the more I learn about the world around me, the more I realize how ridiculously blessed I am.  Kind of a "duh" statement, but I've just been overwhelmed by it the last few days.